Main Types Of Hardwood Floor Installation

Oftentimes, professional installers will install newly purchased hardwood floors. It is not an impossible job for a determined homeowner to tackle, but some thought should be given to the four main methods of hardwood floor installation. They require different levels of skill and different types of tools. The goal of all four methods is the same, however, to end up with a good looking floor that feels solid when walked across.

Generally, the four usual methods of attaching the hardwood to the sub flooring are nailing, stapling, gluing or floating. They require different skill levels and produce somewhat different results. Knowing your own limitations, understanding what each method involves and considering your priorities can help you make the choice that is best for you.

The nail down method involves nailing the hardwoods to the sub flooring, one nail every six to eight inches. It requires, not just a strong arms, but a strong back as well. Pneumatic nail guns can be of great assistance. The harder the species of wood being installed though, the more difficult getting the nail through in one shot becomes. This generally takes professional level skill.

Pneumatic staplers are a recent renovation. They appeared in the past twenty years and sometimes they attach the floor so securely that homeowners later mention the floors squeak. One important point to consider when weighing nailing as an option is the shape the sub flooring is in. If it isn't good, then the staples may work themselves out over time.

Gluing is the messiest method for installing hardwood floors, but produces a great feel for the homeowners, very solid underfoot. Gluing is often left to professionals since it is most prone to disaster. If the wrong glue is used, the wrong amount of glue or there was incorrect preparation of the floor, the boards may not stick. Also, it can create quite a clean up job if the installer is not very familiar with the product.

Floating is the easiest method of installing hardwoods. They do not attach to the sub flooring in any way, but are attached to each other instead and laid across the space. Some planks are designed to snapped together. Other types of boards require adhesive. A mat will often be laid over the sub flooring before the floated floor to add insulation and reduce noise.

One possible complaint about floating the hardwood floor is that homeowner does not get a solid feeling beneath their feet when walking on it. This is reduced when floors are glued down. Great nailing or stapling jobs create a very solid feeling underfoot. Gluing typically has the highest level of satisfaction.

The more elaborate the pattern of the flooring, such as herringbone or parquet, the more skill involved in the installation. Also, narrow boards are typically more labor intensive than wider planks, for obvious reasons. If you double the number of boards, you will double the amount of installation required. It is a good idea to think about what is involved when considering hardwood floor installation.


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